Not sure of the "proper wording" but if you lay the wheel (good side) facing down, take a straight edge across back of wheel, and measure from bottom straight edge to inside flange (where lugnuts holes are at). Forgive me for forgetting the positive offset vs negative offset. You also need to make sure hub holes fit an early bronco (I learned the hard way).
Bout two years ago I had 37x12.50s on a set of 17x9s w/ 3.5" BS and I loved that look (look at my pics on this website or newest Bronco Driver Mag). It may have stuck out about 1.5" to 2" beyond flare. It rubbed very lil until I go in a ditch and flexed. I still have a 3.5" SL & 2" BL on my bronco, but recently installed skinny 33s.